Big Thanksgiving week changes: winter invades across U.S.

Big changes are unfurling across the central and eastern U.S. just in time for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Preparations start with hot drinks and waterproof warm coats.

A winter storm churning across the Great Lakes is easily visible on our WeatherRadar. The long line of rain extending southward from this system is a strong cold front that will continue to settle south and east tonight and Tuesday. It will move off the East Coast late Tuesday.

Heavy snow will fall across the western Great Lakes, while rain follows the front. These could have major implications as the Thanksgiving travel gets underway. Weather & Radar meteorologists will be providing a live update on YouTube at 11:30 a.m. ET Tuesday and Wednesday. Click here to be notified.

In addition to the rain and snow troubles, the first of several arctic blasts anticipated over the next several weeks will dive southward. The TemperatureRadar shows highs in the teens and 20s in the Dakotas, with 40s and 50s across the Plains. These chilly temperatures will spread across the East too.

An even bigger arctic blast is likely Friday into the weekend, with highs in the teens and 20s throughout the central and upper Mississippi Valley.

Make sure to have your app alerts activated for this busy week.